Updated Information from Government throws Christmas Plans into Turmoil
I am sorry to report that the situation has deteriorated since I last spoke to you three days ago. Yesterday afternoon, I was briefed on the latest data showing the virus spreading more rapidly in London, the South East and the East of England than would be expected given the tough restrictions which are already in place.
I also received an explanation for why the virus is spreading more rapidly in these areas. It appears this spread is now being driven by the new variant of the virus, which we first learned about earlier this week. Our advisory group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats – NERVTAG – has spent the last few days analysing the new variant. There is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness or higher mortality, but it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily.
NERVTAG’s early analysis suggests the new variant could increase R by 0.4 or greater. Although there is considerable uncertainty, it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant. This is early data. It is subject to review. It is the best we have at the moment, and we have to act on information as we have it because this is now spreading very fast. The U.K. has by far the best genomic sequencing ability in the world, which means we are better able to identify new strains like this than any other country.
Domestic Violence and the Pandemic
The government acknowledges that coronavirus household isolation instructions can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are.
Recognise domestic abuse
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:
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coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
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economic abuse
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online abuse
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threats and intimidation
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emotional abuse
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sexual abuse
Fixflo welcomes leading EICR providers to new contractor marketplace
Fixflo launches a brand new ‘contractor marketplace’ this week with leading property services companies, Prop Cert and Vibrant. Claiming to be the easiest way to find electricians for fixed wire tests, the new service enables agents to access reliable, qualified and affordable electricians directly within their Fixflo system.
The on-demand service lets users book a new EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) with just a few simple clicks and have an EICR completed within 5 days of a request. With Fixflo’s Contractor Marketplace, agents can source electricians for urgent EICRs across the UK, with weekend and evening appointments available to minimise access issues. The providers can also carry out the necessary remedial works right away or provide quotes if the cost of works will exceed the agent’s authorisation limit.
New electrical safety regulations require all rented homes in England to have a valid EICR by 1 April 2021. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Government has not announced any extensions for the impending deadline. With just months to go, agents are advised to begin their compliance audit and phase their EICR appointments amidst the Covid-19 emergency to take into account delays caused by changing public health measures.